power switch

[Tr3vor]

mine is getting rather touchy. when i switch it on, the games act like i did the rapid on/off thing (is it called frying the game?)

is there any way to fix this?

[Kurisu]

Only thing I know of is a replacement. I have many units with toggle switches like this: it comes from them being loosened over the years (the sliding part rides up as you move it, instead of staying flat against the other contact area, if that makes sense).

 

I would imagine there is SOME way to make the problem less of an issue, but I don't think it is "fixable" without total replacement.

 

That reminds me, I need to get back to someone on switches and such.

[+save2600]

There's 4 little fingers that keep the switch and the fiberboard together. I wonder if all you'd have to do is, using a pair of pliers, squeeze/crimp them back in so that they're parallel to the switch. I'm envisioning yours are kind of bent out - away from the bottom of the switch...

[Benzman66]

It is a simple fix and takes a few minutes if you know electronics. Pry the prongs away from the sides of the switch and open it up. Inside there are two contacts that slide up and down the actual switch base. You need to pull the ends away of the contact so it makes them "more springy" again, then replace the switch housing and push the prongs back in.

 

Yep, probably doesn't make sense from the description I am using, but it does work, trust me. I do it to every unit I sell so the buyer has a good tight switch and I have never had to replace a switch yet unless the post was totally broken off. You can use the same fix for all the other switches too.

Edited December 3, 2009 by Benzman66

[shadow460]

I think it's come loose from the circuit board. Open the unit up and heat up the solder joints. Also you might try cleaning the contact areas with rubbing alcohol. If you take the switch apart, clean it at this time. If you don't, you can still get the swab into the switch.

[+save2600]

I think it's come loose from the circuit board. Open the unit up and heat up the solder joints. Also you might try cleaning the contact areas with rubbing alcohol. If you take the switch apart, clean it at this time. If you don't, you can still get the swab into the switch.

 

Gosh - I totally spaced that out. Shadow's diagnosis is probably the right one... MOST power switch problems on the 2600 are the result of cold/broken solder joints. Heating those puppies back up will provide better contact and less flakiness. Soldering iron might be too wimpy, 45 watt soldering gun will do the job and quick.

[keilbaca]

I think it's come loose from the circuit board. Open the unit up and heat up the solder joints. Also you might try cleaning the contact areas with rubbing alcohol. If you take the switch apart, clean it at this time. If you don't, you can still get the swab into the switch.

 

Gosh - I totally spaced that out. Shadow's diagnosis is probably the right one... MOST power switch problems on the 2600 are the result of cold/broken solder joints. Heating those puppies back up will provide better contact and less flakiness. Soldering iron might be too wimpy, 45 watt soldering gun will do the job and quick.

 

I refurb Atari's all the time, and the very first thing I do is remelt the solder joints on all the switches, controller ports, and the power jack. A standard 30 watt iron does fine.